Book 7 Chapter 1

In the whirlwind of sword wind and blade energy,

- Moyong Hwi vs. Gal Hyo-bong

There are three blades. One has edges on both sides,

called a sword (劍), held in one person's hand, the other two have edges

on only one side, making it impossible to cut with the spine, and are a pair,

called twin blades (雙刀), held in a man's two hands.

With full heart and soul, the sword and blades clashed in one place. However, the ripple effect was so immense that it seemed unlikely for a sword and a pair of blades to have clashed. The destructive power generated by a single collision meant that they could no longer be called just blades and a sword.

"Kwakwagwagwag!"

The surrounding space, unable to withstand the pressure of the clashing swords and blades, trembled and collapsed. The trees around also shook violently, shedding fallen leaves. The air vibrated fiercely, creating gales around the two men.

"Shieeeeeeek!"

"Kwakuakwang!"

The explosive sounds, like thunderclaps, were deafening. A colossal sound that seemed to crush the world. If one didn't control their inner energy to protect their eardrums, they could have their eardrums torn in an instant by the explosive roar and live deaf for life.

"How many rounds?"

Cheong Heun, watching the fierce battle with an anxious expression, asked Namgoong Sang, who was beside him. He had been momentarily distracted by fending off a sudden swarm of attackers.

"It's already over ninety rounds! It's almost a hundred!"

Even amidst this chaos, Namgoong Sang, like a warrior, was calculating the exchange of moves from both sides.

"Impressive!"

In the heart of the fierce battle, white sword light and blood-red blade energy were now dancing and intertwining in one place, creating a magnificent spectacle.

The fierce, wild, and relentless dance of swords and blades, ever-changing!

Especially the mountain-dwelling monstrous figure wielding the twin blades, his was a dance of madness, truly worthy of being called a frenzied dance (狂舞). His blades seemed hungry for blood, displaying merciless slashing aimed at ravaging the opponent's flesh. Hidden by the surging sword energy and blade energy, the figures of the two men were now difficult to distinguish even for ordinary eyesight.

'Impressive! His skill has already reached this level!'

Cheong Heun couldn't help but marvel at Moyong Hwi's sword energy. Looking at him now, no matter how he analyzed it, he was different from when he fought in the finals of the Samseong Mujae. Indeed, after waking up from the medicinal bed imbued with the scent of herbs, he hadn't been idle. He was showcasing a more mature appearance and a higher level of mastery today.

'I haven't been idle either!'

Cheong Heun clenched his fist unconsciously. Then, he smiled bitterly.

'Even in such a fierce battle, the warrior's spirit of competition doesn't wane, does it? This isn't the time…'

A bitter smile spread across his lips. This was the center of a life-or-death battle. The surrounding situation was too urgent to be lost in prolonged contemplation.

"Kwakuang! Chaetchaeng!"

A resounding explosion erupted once more.

It was already over a hundred and fifty rounds. It was not easy to swing a sword so fiercely for over a hundred and fifty rounds without rest. Moreover, the deafening roar that mercilessly struck the surroundings with each clash was evidence that a fierce collision of inner energy was occurring with every single round. Each second meant a blow delivered with all of one's might.

"Can his inner energy really hold out?"

His voice was filled with concern for Moyong Hwi.

Now, whoever tired first would determine the outcome of this victory. Cheong Heun watched the battlefield with anxious eyes.

Cheong Heun was somewhat worried about Moyong Hwi's condition. No matter how he looked, the monstrous opponent showed no sign of fatigue. On the other hand, Moyong Hwi's sword tip was becoming slightly duller. The difference was clear to Cheong Heun's eyes.

Compared to this duel, the attackers were not such a significant issue. Furthermore, the attackers were also paying attention to the outcome of the two men's fight and had stopped fighting. They didn't seem inclined to help the monstrous figure. Nor did their faces show any trust in the monstrous figure. They were simply waiting for the fight to conclude as quickly as possible. It was clear that once the battle ended, the current standoff would dramatically change, like a storm-tossed tempest.

After glancing at Cheong Heun, who was staring intently at the duel, Namgoong Sang quietly withdrew and approached Bi Ryoo Yeon. His senior disciple was simply watching with his hands at his sides. Namgoong Sang hadn't seen Bi Ryoo Yeon make a move since the monstrous figure's invasion and the subsequent ambush. He had no idea what his senior disciple was thinking. He doubted he would get an answer this time.

"Kwakwagwakuang!"

Moyong Hwi and Gal Hyo-bong's fight continued to be incredibly noisy. Gusts of wind fiercely swirled around them. Small stones were flung about in all directions.

For these two men, the existence of others was already beyond the realm of conscious perception.

'What am I doing right now?'

The sword light and sword wind, exploding from the breathtaking clash between Moyong Hwi and Gal Hyo-bong, swirled violently, dazzling his vision. However, his eyes were unfocused.

Hyo Ryong watched the duel with bated breath. His mind had not yet emerged from extreme confusion.

"Gulp!"

Dry saliva went down his throat. He was now watching the fierce battle with unfocused eyes. He couldn't take anyone's side right now. Moreover, due to the suspicion he had received last time, he had to be careful. And he absolutely had to be careful. He was, after all, a spy! It was only natural that he shouldn't reveal his identity.

Moyong Hwi's sword thrusts rained down like shooting stars. Without even a moment to hold his breath, Hyo Bong evaded his sword momentum. Evading the starlike sword energy, Gal Hyo Bong crossed his twin blades in an X shape and took a stance. His eyes flashed with a fierce, bloody intent.

Seeing Gal Hyo Bong's stance, Hyo Ryong was terrified. It was like a jolt to his senses. The blade energy his brother unleashed flew as if to cleave Moyong Hwi in two. Moyong Hwi quickly ducked, evading the red blade energy. But he seemed unaware that his attack was not over after regaining his stance.

In that moment, his body wouldn't obey. The sense of duty to conceal his identity had vanished somewhere. So, Hyo Ryong made a mistake.

"Duck! The Spinning Cross Blade is coming from behind!"

Hyo Ryong shouted urgently.

'I didn't dodge it all?' he thought to himself, but Moyong Hwi instinctively lowered his head and bent his entire body. He thought he had clearly blocked the cross-shaped red blade energy, but it seemed it wasn't over yet.

"Shwing!"

At that moment, a wind filled with fierce killing intent brushed past his nape. It was blade energy coming from behind his head. If he had remained standing stiffly, his life might have been in danger. Everyone looked at Hyo Ryong with bewildered, disbelieving expressions. Blankly…

'The Spinning Cross Blade, one of the ultimate secret techniques, Blood Wind Dance!'

Hyo Ryong's face contorted in despair. Even though his reason was paralyzed, he could execute such a profound secret technique without difficulty, indicating that his sense for blade techniques was still intact.

At this moment, Hyo Ryong did not notice Cheong Heun looking at him with surprised eyes. He was too preoccupied to notice.